24 May 2014  United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his special representative in Somalia, Nicholas Kay, as well as the Security Council, today condemned an attack by suicide bombers and gunmen on the Federal Parliament, in the capital Mogadishu, where legislators were in session.

“There can be no justification for such attacks,” Mr. Ban said in a statement from his spokesperson.

He convoyed his solidarity and support for the lawmakers “who represent the people of Somalia and their aspirations for a peaceful future”.

Mr. Kay, who heads the UN Assistance Mission, (UNSOM) in the country, said separately that the UN will continue to support the Somali people and their Government as they work towards “peace and stability” in the Horn of Africa nation.

Earlier in the day, he had spoken with Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed to express his solidarity and sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who suffered in the attack and wished a swift recovery for those injured.

The 15-member Security Council also underlined its support for the Somali Federal Government, and all actors working towards greater peace and stability in Somalia, following the attack.

"They reiterated that this and other senseless acts of terrorism would not diminish that support," according to a statement disseminated to the press.

The Council, along with Mr. Ban and Mr. Kay, also commended the “prompt action” by Somali National Forces and African Union peacekeeping forces (AMISOM) to stop the attack. Al-Shabaab insurgents have since claimed responsibility.

At least six attackers and one of the soldiers fighting them were killed, according to media reports.

In April, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for killing two parliamentarians in Mogadishu in less than 48 hours.

Earlier this week, Mr. Kay told the UN Security Council in a video-conference from the capital city that despite political, economic and security progress in the last 12 months, the country was approaching a “danger zone” in a number of areas, including insecurity.